Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology and Co-Chair, The Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University, New York

Saskia Sassen is the Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology and Co-Chair, The Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University (www.saskiasassen.com). She is the author of several books and the recipient of diverse awards and mentions, ranging from multiple doctor honoris causa to named lectures and being selected for various honors lists. Her new book is Expulsions: When complexity produces elementary brutalities. (Harvard University Press 2014)

Managing Director, IBA Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg

Uli Hellweg is the managing director of the IBA Hamburg. Before Mr. Hellweg worked as managing director from 1996 2006 Wasserstadt GmbH Berlin, and at the of agora s.à.r.l. in Luxembourg from 2002 to 2006. For four years he worked as head of Department of Planning and Building in the City of Kassel. 1986 Mr. Hellweg was active as planning coordinator at S.T.E.R.N. GmbH for Moabit urban renewal in Berlin. 1982 he collected first experiences in the IBA format working as a coordinator for pilot projects at the IBA Berlin GmbH 1984/87. After he studied architecture and urban development at RWTH Aachen he worked as a freelance urban planner in Berlin.

Independent Facilitator, Quest Associates, Bath

Peter Woodward is an experienced independent facilitator. He specialises in the design and delivery of effective participative processes through his own business, Quest Associates Ltd. Assignments range from helping small teams to develop a strategy through to major multi-stakeholder international conferences. Peter supports clients from all sectors including local citizen groups, business, through to the European Commission. He is particularly active with clients who are working towards social, environmental and economic sustainability goals. Recent clients include the European Sustainable Development Network, EC EcoAP Green Innovation programme, the UK Charity Bank, The European Business Network and the Church of England. He has established a special reputation for bringing energy, enjoyment and added value into the conference setting.